Tottenham Hotspur’s impressive 4-0 victory over Manchester City in the Premier League came at a heavy price as goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has undergone surgery to repair an ankle fracture sustained during the match. The setback deals a significant blow to Spurs as they head into a packed December schedule.
Key Player Sidelined
Vicario sustained the injury in a first-half collision with City winger Savinho but remarkably played on, completing the full 90 minutes in what was arguably the highlight of manager Ange Postecoglou’s tenure so far. However, scans later confirmed the severity of the injury, forcing Vicario to go under the knife.
The club has not provided a timeline for Vicario’s recovery, but it is expected to be a long-term absence. The 27-year-old shared his disappointment in an Instagram post, writing:
“I played 60 minutes at the Etihad with a broken bone in my ankle, giving absolutely everything I had for the team. Unfortunately, there was no way around this one. I needed surgery.
“I’m disappointed I won’t be able to help the team for a while. A massive thank you to the doctors and the staff. The operation went well, and from tomorrow I’ll be working hard to come back stronger, fitter, and ready to give my all for you again. Thank you to the Spurs fans for all the love. See you soon on the pitch.”
Impact on the Team
With Vicario sidelined, Postecoglou is likely to turn to 36-year-old backup goalkeeper Fraser Forster, who has made three appearances this season. Spurs face a daunting schedule, starting with a Europa League clash against Roma on Thursday night, followed by nine matches in December, including a League Cup quarterfinal against Manchester United.
Vicario’s absence adds to Tottenham’s growing injury list. The club is already missing key players such as centre-halves Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. Van de Ven is expected to return from a hamstring injury by mid-December, while Romero’s injury is less severe and his return is anticipated sooner.
The attacking lineup is also stretched thin, with Richarlison and Wilson Odobert out, and Mikey Moore recovering from a virus. Additionally, midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur is serving a seven-match suspension for making a racial slur against teammate Son Heung-min, having already missed one game.
A Crucial Role in a Memorable Win
Vicario’s performance at the Etihad was instrumental in Spurs’ victory. He made several key saves, including denying Erling Haaland, and helped secure the clean sheet despite missing first-choice defenders. Postecoglou hailed the win as a statement performance for his team, but Vicario’s injury casts a shadow over the result.
Looking Ahead
Tottenham’s resilience will be put to the test as they navigate a challenging period without their first-choice goalkeeper and other key players. Fans will undoubtedly rally behind Vicario as he works toward a strong recovery, with hopes that Fraser Forster and the rest of the squad can maintain their form during this critical phase of the season.
With their sights set on silverware and a strong league finish, Spurs will need to draw on their depth and determination to weather the storm.